Fiber Optic Reel Stand With Axle Bearing Assembly
A reel frame stand for supporting a reel thereon comprises a first pair of hingedly connected legs oppositely disposed from a second pair of hingedly connected legs; a first axle bearing on the first pair of legs and a second axle bearing on the second pair of legs, and each of the first and second axle bearings comprising a base and a bushing having a cylindrical inner surface surrounding an open channel; an axle having opposing cylindrical portions being rotatably secured within the open channels of the opposing first and second axle bearings to permit selective rotation of the reel supported thereon; a first brace having one end being rotatably secured to one of the legs of the first pair of legs and a second end being selectively securable at one of a plurality of ports on the first pair of legs by a fastener that is sized and configured for engaged receipt within each of the plurality of ports; a second brace having one end being rotatably secured to one of the legs of the second pair of legs and a second end being selectively securable at one of a plurality of ports on the second pair of legs by a fastener that is sized and configured for engaged receipt within each of the plurality of ports; and wherein each of the first and second pairs of hingedly connected legs may be selectively positioned relative to each other in one of a plurality of configurations including a flat configuration, a closed configuration and an open configuration.
This application is based on and claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 611951,775 filed on Mar. 12, 2014.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe invention relates to the field of bearing assemblies used with a longitudinally extending axle, particularly axles for supporting and dispensing fiber optic cables from a portable stand.
DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ARTReel stands have been used in the past, of course, and are well known for coiling and uncoiling anything from water hoses to electrical cables. Certain features of this disclosure, therefore, illustrate components of reel stands that have been known previously. Reel stands generally include legged structures that lift a reel so that it is elevated off the ground for dispensing its wound load. Numerous reel stands have hinged legs in a frame that allow for convenient folding and storage. The elevated reel extends across a rotating shaft, or axle, which turns by either the force of the unwinding load or by known crank handles, which may be removable, again for convenient storage. In some prior embodiments of reel stands, the axle may be bifurcated into two coaxial portions so that the same reel stand holds two separate reels controlled by two respective crank handles. Reel stands also include brake mechanisms, such as simple, manually actuated brake handles that press a brake against brake rotors, each engaging respective portions of the reel stand axle, so that the axle portions slow or stop accordingly. Cross supports and gussets allow the reel stands o support reels of desired weight.
Prior art embodiments of reel stands in patent literature include:
CA 2,518,523 (English and Grishaber Nov. 5, 2013)
CN 1,325,359 (Shin, Jungbum Jul. 11, 2007)
WO 0156913 (Shin, Jungbum Aug. 9, 2001)
One important component of reel stands is the bearing used to control the effects of friction, particularly in regard to the above noted rotating shafts. Numerous bearings are known in the prior art, including:
U.S. 20090074334 (Juan 2009)
U.S. Pat. No. 4,347,992 (Imai 1982)
U.S. Pat. No. 4,357,519 (Bain, Jr. 1982)
U.S. Pat. No. 4,467,978 (Farrington 1984)
JP 2003-261040 (Yuzo, Niina Sep. 16, 2003)
JP 9-177853 (Toru, Yoshisaka Jul. 11, 1997)
JP 4034276B2 (Jan. 16, 2008)
GB 23488 (Crawford, May 30, 1912)
GB 2453326 (Teng-Yi, Juan Feb. 15, 2012)
GB 956,739 (Soc. Applicazioni Gomma Antivibranti S.p.A. Apr. 29. 1964)
CN 201210540949 (tang, MeiMei Mar. 27, 2013).
Even in light of the above, there exists a need in the art of reel stands for a reel stand for dispensing fiber optic cabling that offers improved reel function via its rotating axle and other functional aspects.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to a reel frame stand for supporting a reel thereon, and the reel frame stand comprising a first pair of hingedly connected legs oppositely disposed from a second pair of hingedly connected legs, and each of the pairs of legs forming a frame; a first axle bearing on the first pair of legs and a second axle bearing on the second pair of legs, and each of the first and second axle bearings comprising a base and a bushing having a cylindrical inner surface surrounding an open channel; an axle having opposing cylindrical portions being rotatably secured within the open channels of the opposing first and second axle bearings to permit selective rotation of the reel supported thereon; a first brace having one end being rotatably secured to one of the legs of the first pair of legs and a second end being selectively securable at one of a plurality of ports on the first pair of legs by a fastener that is sized and configured for engaged receipt within each of the plurality of ports; a second brace having one end being rotatably secured to one of the legs of the second pair of legs and a second end being selectively securable at one of a plurality of ports n the second pair of legs by a fastener that is sized and configured for engaged receipt within each of the plurality of ports; and wherein each of the first and second pairs of hingedly connected legs may be selectively positioned relative to each other in one of a plurality of configurations including a flat configuration, a closed configuration and an open configuration.
For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSReferring to the several views of the drawings, the reel frame stand of the present invention and described herein is shown and is generally indicated as (5).
Referring initially to
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These and other embodiments of the invention described herein are shown in the Figures attached.
While the present invention has been shown and described in accordance with several preferred and practical embodiments, it is recognized that departures from the instant disclosure are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention which are not limited except as defined in the following claims as interpreted by the Doctrine of Equivalents.
Claims
1. A reel frame stand for supporting a reel thereon, and said reel frame stand comprising:
- a first pair of hingedly connected legs oppositely disposed from a second pair of hingedly connected legs, and each of said pairs of legs forming a frame;
- a first axle bearing on said first pair of legs and a second axle bearing on said second pair of legs, and each of said first and second axle bearings comprising a base and a bushing having a cylindrical inner surface surrounding an open channel;
- an axle having opposing cylindrical portions being rotatably secured within the open channels of said opposing first and second axle bearings to permit selective rotation of the reel supported thereon;
- a first brace extending between said first pair of legs and a second brace extending between said second pair of legs, and each of said first and second braces being selectively securable and detachable for permitting selective pivotal movement of the respective pair of said hingedly connected legs; and
- wherein each of said first and second pairs of hingedly connected legs may be selectively positioned relative to each other in one of a plurality of configurations by securing the respective first and second braces thereto.
2. The reel frame stand as recited in claim 1 wherein said bushing is replaceable.
3. The reel frame as recited in claim 1 wherein one of the plurality of configurations is a closed position wherein said first and second pairs of hingedly connected legs are selectively secured in a position 0 degrees relative to each other.
4. The reel frame as recited in claim 1 wherein one of the plurality of configurations is a flat position wherein said first and second pairs of hingedly connected legs are selectively secured in a position 180 degrees relative to each other.
5. The reel frame as recited in claim 1 wherein one of the plurality of configurations is a fiat position wherein said first and second pairs of hingedly connected legs are selectively secured in a position between 0 and 180 degrees relative to each other,
6. A reel frame stand for supporting a reel thereon, and said reel frame stand comprising:
- a first pair of hingedly connected legs oppositely disposed from a second pair of hingedly connected legs, and each of said pairs of legs forming a frame;
- a first axle bearing on said first pair of legs and a second axle bearing on said second pair of legs, and each of said first and second axle bearings comprising a base and a bushing having a cylindrical inner surface surrounding an open channel;
- an axle having opposing cylindrical portions being rotatably secured within the open channels of said opposing first and second axle bearings to permit selective rotation of the reel supported thereon using oppositely disposed crank handles in connection therewith;
- a first brace having one end being rotatably secured to one of the legs s of said first pair of legs and a second end being selectively securable at one of a plurality of ports on the opposite leg of said first pair of legs by a fastener that is sized and configured for engaged receipt within each of said plurality of ports;
- a second brace having one end being rotatably secured to one of the legs of said second pair of legs and a second end being selectively securable at one of a plurality of ports on the opposite leg of said second pair of legs by a fastener that is sized and configured for engaged receipt within each of said plurality of ports; and
- wherein each of said first and second pairs of hingedly connected legs may be selectively positioned relative to each other in one of a plurality of configurations by securing the second ends of each of said first and second braces to a corresponding one of said plurality of ports.
7. The reel frame stand as recited in claim 6 wherein said fastener comprises:
- a screw having a threaded outer surface, and said screw being sized and configured for engaged receipt within one of said plurality of ports;
- a wing nut having a threaded inner surface defining a passage, and said threaded inner surface being sized and configured for threaded fit around said screw; and
- wherein threaded advancement of said wing nut along screw serves to secure the second end of said first or second brace to one of said plurality of ports.
8. The reel frame stand as recited in claim 6 wherein said bushing is replaceable.
9. The reel frame as recited in claim 6 wherein one of the plurality of configurations is a closed configuration wherein said first and second pairs of hingedly connected legs are selectively secured in a position 0 degrees relative to each other.
10. The reel frame stand as recited in claim 6 wherein one of the plurality of configurations is a flat configuration herein said first and second pairs of hingedly connected legs are selectively secured in a position 180 degrees relative to each other.
11. The reel frame stand as recited in claim 6 wherein one of the plurality of configurations is an open configuration wherein said first and second pairs of hingedly connected legs are selectively secured in a position between 0 and 180 degrees relative to each other.
12. The reel frame stand as recited in claim 6 wherein said axle is bifurcated and wherein each of said bifurcated axles is selectively rotatable using a corresponding one of said oppositely disposed crank handles.
13. The reel frame stand as recited in claim 6 further comprising at least one brake handle, and wherein actuating said brake handle causes a respective brake rotor to engage said axle in order to slow or stop rotation of said axle,
14. A reel frame stand for supporting a reel thereon, and said reel frame stand comprising:
- a first pair of hingedly connected legs oppositely disposed from a second pair of hingedly connected legs, and each of said pairs of legs forming a frame;
- a first axle bearing on said first pair of legs and a second axle bearing on said second pair of legs, and each of said first and second axle bearings comprising a base and a bushing having a cylindrical inner surface surrounding an open channel;
- an axle having opposing cylindrical portions being rotatably secured within the open channels of said opposing first and second axle bearings to permit selective rotation of the reel supported thereon;
- a first brace having one end being rotatably secured to one of the legs of said first pair of legs and a second end being selectively securable at one of a plurality of ports on said first pair of legs by a fastener that is sized and configured for engaged receipt within each of said plurality of ports;
- a second brace having one end being rotatably secured to one of the legs of said second pair of legs and a second end being selectively securable at one of a plurality of ports on said second pair of legs by a fastener that is sized and configured for engaged receipt within each of said plurality of ports; and
- wherein each of said first and second pairs of hingedly connected legs ray be selectively positioned relative to each other in one of a plurality of configurations including a flat configuration, a closed configuration and an open configuration.
15. The reel frame stand as recited in claim 14 wherein said fastener comprises:
- a screw having a threaded Outer surface, and said screw being sized and configured for engaged receipt within one of said plurality of ports;
- a wing nut having a threaded inner surface defining a passage, and said threaded inner surface being sized and configured for threaded fit around said screw; and
- wherein threaded advancement of said wing nut along screw serves to secure the second end of said first or second brace to one of said plurality of ports.
16. The reel frame stand as recited in claim 14 wherein the closed configuration is defined by said first and second pairs of hingedly connected legs being selectively secured in a position 0 degrees relative to each other.
17. The reel frame stand as recited in claim 14 wherein the flat configuration is defined by said first and second pairs of hingedly connected legs being selectively secured in a position 180 degrees relative to each other.
18. The reel frame stand as recited in claim 14 wherein the open configuration is defined by said first and second pairs of hingedly connected legs being selectively secured in a position between 0 and 180 degrees relative to each other.
19. The reel frame stand as recited in claim 14 wherein said axle is bifurcated and wherein each of said bifurcated axles in rotatable using a corresponding one of said oppositely disposed crank handles.
20. The reel frame stand as recited in claim 14 further comprising at least one brake handle, and wherein actuating said brake handle causes a respective brake rotor to engage said axle in order to slow or stop rotation of said axle.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 12, 2015
Publication Date: Sep 17, 2015
Patent Grant number: 9718638
Inventors: Nicolas P. Guiffault (Allen, TX), Venkata R. Penumatcha (Plano, TX)
Application Number: 14/645,725